Frank McKenna Comes To New York

CFP ^ | May 12, 2005 | Marinka Peschmann

[MikeEdwards]

Ambassador Frank McKenna lived up to his reputation as the outspoken politician, eager to debunk Canadian myths, while strengthening Canada’s relations with the U.S. on Tuesday. At a luncheon, in New York City, part of a joint effort between the Canadian Consulate General and the Canadian Association of New York, an upbeat, McKenna, praised Canada and the U.S.’s "unusual friendship where we've had a virtually undefended border."

"These are two countries that have never exchanged a shot in anger and have stood side by side in so many places around the world in the cause of peace," said Canada's 20th Ambassador to the United States, "in the cause of bringing democracy to the world."

For Canadians this relationship is "even more precious" because for Canada the United States "is the only neighbour that we have."

Also in attendance was Consul General of Canada Pamela Wallin. She applauded Ambassador McKenna for "serving his country at a most important post in Washington at a most important time, when this relationship is in need of his pragmatism, his legal mind, his entrepreneurial approach." President Bush accepted McKenna’s credentials on March 8th.

McKenna commended Prime Minister Martin, specifically for his role in creating the "cabinet committee on U.S. Canada relations." And thinks "Americans would benefit from seeing our Prime Minister, he’s not only a gifted politician but a great business leader and he really speaks a direct language that Americans understand. So we'd love to be seeing more of him down here and once the current volatility is worked through undoubtedly we'll have a chance to see."

The current volatility of course is Prime Minister Martin's future. . . . .